Metro Radio’s Steve and Karen switch on Sunderland Christmas Lights 2023
Written by Jack Wallace-Hunter on 17th November 2023
Sunderland has officially kicked off Christmas with the Christmas Light Switch on 2023 on November 16 hosted by Steve and Karen from Metro Radio breakfast at Keel Square.
The evening was filled with performances from the cast of Sunderland Empire’s Panto including former Emmerdale star Charlie Hardwick, band Khalysis and a host of Disney characters.
Karen Oxley, Metro Radio Breakfast Show presenter and co-host of the event, said: “It’s so exciting, obviously I went to the University here many years ago but just to see how the city has changed, it’s rejuvenated, it’s absolutely fantastic to be back.”
She added: “It’s dead lush to see all the crowd here, dead excited, kids are like full of Christmas joy.”
Hundreds gathered to mark the occasion, joining in on a number of Christmas games with goodie bags and prizes that were on offer.
Steve Furnell, Metro Radio Breakfast Show presenter and co-host of the event, said: “There’s a lot of investment going into this amazing city.”
He added: “Walking up the street near Primark, just smelling all the food stalls, that got me going before we got on the stage.”
Steve and Karen were joined on stage by Sunderland footballers Jay Matete and Aji Alwese, the Mayor of Sunderland, Cllr Dorothy Trueman as well as a special appearance from Santa to switch on the lights at 7pm.
The launch of Christmas was jointly organised by Sunderland BID, Sunderland City Council and supported by Metro Radio.
If you want to hear more from Steve and Karen, tune into Spark Hometime with Bobbi Bunker on November 17 from 3pm here or 107FM.
What did you think of the Christmas Lights Switch On 2023? Let us know at @sparksunderland.
